Role of motor and cognitive tasks in gait of individuals with mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) experience difficulties with memory and task execution. Walking while performing a secondary task could affect gait of individuals with MCI and increase fall risk. The aim of the study was to investigate gait in individuals with MCI performing motor and cognitive secondary tasks. Eight individuals with MCI and eight age-matched healthy older adults walked over the GAITRite walkway under three different conditions: with no secondary task, while carrying a glass of water in their dominant hand (motor task), and while reciting alphabet [cognitive task (CT)]. Gait velocity, cadence, step length, and stride length were calculated. With no secondary task individuals with MCI as compared with the healthy older adults walked slower (P < 0.001) and with shorter step and stride length. When a secondary task was added, gait performance of the individuals with MCI deteriorated even more. The largest decline in gait was seen during the performance of the CT as compared with motor task (P < 0.001). The outcome provides a basis for future studies of the effect of the secondary motor task and CT in the identification of MCI as well as in planning rehabilitation interventions.